Tech3 calls up surprise replacement for Maverick Vinales at French MotoGP

Tech3 will turn back time by calling up its former rider Jonas Folger to replace Maverick Vinales in next weekend's French MotoGP at Le Mans.

Vinales pulled out of last month’s US MotoGP event and returned to Europe for surgery to remove a loose screw in his shoulder, inserted after last July’s Sachsenring fall.

The Spaniard then missed his home Spanish round and, following a visit to the Red Bull Athletic Performance Centre (APC), has been told he is still not fit to return.

“I've been working hard since the surgery to fully recover and have always had Le Mans in my head as my target race to return,” Vinales said.

“However, after attending the APC this week, I have been advised that I am not yet strong enough to jump back on the bike. 

"Whilst I am disappointed, I understand being back to full strength is the most important thing and I will keep my head down and prioritise that."

With KTM reserve rider Pol Espargaro also injured, and Dani Pedrosa presumably turning down the stand-in chance despite riding for KTM at the Jerez test, Tech3 has turned to Jonas Folger.

The 32-year-old German made all 19 of his premier-class starts with Tech3, initially as a rookie on Yamaha machinery in 2017, when he impressed with a podium finish at his home Sachsenring race.

Illness later that season brought Folger's full-time career to a sudden halt, but he subsequently returned to premier-class machinery as a test rider for KTM. 

Folger's most recent MotoGP appearances were as a replacement for then Tech3 rider Espargaro in 2023, where Folger took a best finish of twelfth from six events.

“First of all, I want to wish Maverick a strong and quick recovery,” Folger said. 

“On a personal level, I am really excited to be coming back together with all the guys at Tech3 - I have some history with this team and it will be great to see everyone again.

“Le Mans will be a big challenge, going back after so many years away from racing, and getting back on the bike will mean adapting quickly and learning a lot across the weekend. 

"It is going to be tough, for sure, but I believe the positives outweigh the difficulties and I am very much looking forward to it. I cannot wait."

Although under new ownership this season, Tech3 remains a French-based team.

Folger's return, alongside Enea Bastianini, means the squad will at least be back to a full two rider line-up for their home round.

"We have said from the very beginning that Maverick's health and his recovery is the most important thing, so whilst it is disappointing he will not be with us at our home race, he knows his own body and when he will be ready to return," said team manager Nicolas Goyon.

"It is an important weekend for us as we are racing in front of our friends, family and fans, so it will be great to have two bikes back on track and Jonas back with us at Tech3.

" Following the test in Jerez, Enea has made great progress on the bike and is feeling confident heading into the Grand Prix, so we are positive we can have a strong weekend at home.”